One last July Carnival for racing legend

By Michael Beattie

It is with great sadness that I advise of the sudden passing of former Grafton horse trainer Darryl Taylor.

Darryl had enjoyed the camaraderie of many of his old mates in the last couple of weeks at the recent July racing carnival and to me it seems a fitting way for DT as he was affectionately known to have spent his final few days.

Many would not be aware, but DT was actually one of my bosses in the horse racing industry in the very early 1970s, with DT picking me up in his Toyota land cruiser heading to the stables to do boxes before dropping me back home in time to get ready for school.

Looking back on those formative years I am not sure, given the quality of the team he had in work, it was worth either of our efforts, but such is the love of the racing game and the racehorse.

As a trainer Darryl’s success in the industry took a dramatic rise when in the early 1980s he was essentially the number one trainer for two of the biggest players in the local racing industry.

Both Ross Paine and Bill Edgerton had selected Darryl Taylor to prepare their horses.

There is no doubt that with their support that DT had much better cattle to play with.

My recollection is that Wholesale Boom and Vain Top were both way better than average, but without a doubt the star of the show was Riverdale, which, under the care and guidance of DT as a three-year-old, won the 1984 Grafton Cup.

It was a day to remember for DT when he was the toast of the town. I am sure he never forgot that day.

Darryl Taylor, right, with Bede Murray, left and Merv Corliss. Taylor, an important figure in the Northern River racing history, died last week after enjoying one last Grafton July Racing carnival.

However nothing stays the same forever and not long after the Grafton Cup victory both owners elected to move their sizeable teams to be trained closer to the city prizemoney.

Riverdale went on to be one of the best mile to 10 furlong horses of his era.

In very quick succession he won the 1984 Epsom 1600m and the 1984 Ampol 1600m.

He also went on to win a Gosford Cup 2100m and a Warwick Stakes 1600m.

DT could be justifiably proud of the huge part he played in that horse’s development.

I never discussed the matter with him, but I have no doubt it was a bitter pill to swallow.

The halcyon days of the early 1980s never returned for Darryl Taylor, but he pushed on with a few bush horses until he finally retired from race horse training just after the July Carnival in 2000.

DT was awarded life membership of the CRJC for his contribution to racing in Grafton, which was announced at a major function during the July Carnival of 2015, where many of his oldest mates were present to share in his glory.

Although no longer training DT was a great supporter of Grafton racing and always held court throughout the July Carnivals over the years in DT’s corner in the members bar.

It is not lost on me the significance the July Carnival held for DT: 1984 the Grafton Cup, 2000 retiring from training, 2015 CRJC Life membership and now 2024 retiring from life.

DT was larger than life.

He was loved by many but he will be remembered by many many more.

I cannot recall ever hearing a bad word uttered about DT over the last 52 years and in this game it is a pretty strong endorsement of the man.

I have to admit however having a few bad thoughts about him on some very cold mornings as he sat in his land cruiser blowing the horn waiting for me to appear for work and head to Lazy Lodge.

RIP DT your legacy will live on for many years to come.

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